Ontario Announces Plan to Boost Niagara Tourism with Casinos, Theme Park

Ontario is setting its sights high for Niagara Falls.

This week, the Ford government unveiled its Destination Niagara Strategy, a multi-billion-dollar plan aimed at transforming the region into a truly world-renowned tourism destination. The vision includes expanded gaming options, a potential new theme park, an observation wheel, and major investments in arts and culture — all designed to draw more visitors and create long-term economic growth.

Premier Doug Ford says the goal is to unlock Niagara’s full potential, targeting 25 million visitors a year and an additional $3 billion in annual GDP for Ontario. Key proposals include converting the historic Toronto Power Generating Station into a boutique hotel, exploring new casino developments, and improving transportation infrastructure such as expanded GO service, upgrades to the QEW, and better use of the Niagara District Airport.

If realized, the plan could reshape Niagara Falls beyond a seasonal attraction into a year-round tourism powerhouse — one that supports tens of thousands of jobs while reinforcing the region’s place on the global travel map.